Online Courses to Be an Anesthesia Technologist: Course Overviews

Anesthesia technicians and technologists assist licensed anesthesia providers in equipment preparation, patient care and anesthesia safety. Online courses are available for those interested in becoming anesthesia technologists or technicians, as well as for those who are already working in the field and wish to obtain certification.

Essential Information

There are two common types of online courses available in anesthesia technology. Students who are new to the field can enter blended associate's degree programs that require on-campus courses in addition to online courses. Individuals who are already working in the field can complete certificate programs that offer all courses online. These courses help prepare students to take the national certifying exam from the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).

Online Anesthesia Technology Classes

Below are some of the most common online courses available for aspiring anesthesia technologists.

Basic Pharmacology for Anesthesia: This course covers the basic pharmacological principles of the drugs used in anesthesia. Students in the course learn how the body reacts to these drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

Clinical Monitoring: Students in this course learn to use advanced monitoring equipment to help care for patients under anesthesia. Topics include preparation, application, safety and troubleshooting.

Anesthesia Machines, Medical Gases & Scavengers: This course offers students an understanding of the medical gases, machines and scavenging systems used in anesthesia. It is required for the certifying exam and can be taken at any time in the program.

Critical Care Procedures: Students in this course explore critical care procedures and issues for preparing patients for anesthesia. These topics include airway management, regional anesthesia and invasive line placement.

Medical Terminology: This course familiarizes students with the medical terminology required for a wide range of healthcare professions. Students learn about the terms involved in disease, body structures, cells and organs, diagnosis and treatment. This information is necessary to become a practitioner in any allied health field, including anesthesia technology.

Human Anatomy and Physiology: Students in this course learn about the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include body structures, the structure and function of body systems, cellular structures and the fundamentals of chemistry as they relate to the human body. An understanding of human anatomy and physiology is necessary to pursue a career as an anesthesia technician. Students typically take this course early in the degree program.

Airway Management: This course reviews airway anatomy and management. Students take a look at different intubation techniques, including nasal, oral and surgical. They learn what to do in cases where they cannot intubate or ventilate a patient.